GII vs VXUS
State Street SPDR S&P Global Infrastructure ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GII | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $927M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.67% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 90 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +7.85% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.66% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.53% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.59% | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 25, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GII vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR S&P Global Infrastructure ETF (GII) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GII returned +12.66% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, GII is up 7.85% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, GII compounded at +16.53% per year against +19.53% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.59% and +9.03% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs +2.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 15.0% for GII. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -53.6% for GII and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GII charges 0.40% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $5 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GII currently yields 2.67% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GII and VXUS share 43 holdings out of 7895 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GII or VXUS?
GII has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GII or VXUS?
Over the past year GII returned +12.66% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GII annualized +2.89% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GII or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 15.0% for GII. Worst drawdown: GII -53.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GII and VXUS?
GII and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GII and VXUS?
GII and VXUS share 43 common holdings with a 1.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7895 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GII or VXUS?
GII yields 2.67% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so GII currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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